Hilton Announces Dynamic Executive Leadership Team at Waldorf Astoria New York

Managing Director Luigi Romaniello and Executive Director of Sales Jasmin Howanietz prepare to usher in a new era at Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts’ flagship property

NEW YORK – (April 18, 2024) –  Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is delighted to announce a distinguished lineup of luxury hospitality executives joining the 375-room Waldorf Astoria New York, which is expected to reopen its doors later this year following an extensive, multi-year restoration. Leading the team is managing director Luigi Romaniello, and returning to the hotel in a new capacity is executive director of sales Jasmin Howanietz. Romaniello and Howanietz together bring decades worth of expertise to their roles, along with a unique understanding of the luxury landscape.

Managing Director Luigi Romaniello

Romaniello’s illustrious 30-plus year career includes leadership roles at prestigious hotels worldwide, where he has demonstrated exceptional skills in openings, renovations, repositioning and concept development, with a focus on delivering a world-class guest experience. In his new position, Romaniello plays a pivotal role in redefining the next era of Waldorf Astoria New York, further delivering on Conrad Hilton’s vision of this hotel as the “greatest of them all.” In addition to driving plans for the property’s reopening, he is responsible for all aspects of operations for

both the hotel, Waldorf Astoria New York, and Waldorf Astoria Residences New York, the hotel’s newly introduced residences. Romaniello will deliver on the brand’s commitment to providing unforgettable experiences and extraordinary service to guests from around the world and across New York City.

Most recently, he served as managing director at The Plaza, A Fairmont Managed Hotel in New York City. Prior to this position, he spent more than 20 years with Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, where he led the openings of Rosewood Baha Mar and Rosewood Abu Dhabi Hotel as managing director.

Originally from Rome, Romaniello has a Bachelor of Science in Hotel & Restaurants Management from the University of Houston, and is fluent in Italian and English.

Executive Director of Sales Jasmin Howanietz

With 25 years of sales experience in the hospitality sector, Howanietz has returned to

Waldorf Astoria New York after dedicating more than a decade of her career to commercial leadership positions at the hotel, including director of sales and marketing, director of sales, and director of diplomatic affairs. In her new position at the landmark hotel, Howanietz plays an instrumental role in driving the commercial strategy to establish the hotel as the pinnacle of luxury in Manhattan, further positioning the Waldorf Astoria brand as a global blueprint in top-notch hospitality. 

Howanietz oversees all sales endeavors for the luxury group, leisure and business travel segments, along with New York City’s premier social events. She works closely with the sales and marketing team for Waldorf Astoria Residences New York and is focused on providing exceptional experiences for all guests.

Howanietz holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel-Restaurant/Institutional Management from Johnson & Wales University and she attended the Hotel Management School of Salzburg in Austria. She is fluent in English, German and Spanish.

With Romaniello at the helm, Waldorf Astoria New York is poised for its next chapter of excellence, further solidifying its status as a global beacon of luxury hospitality. In addition to Howanietz, the executive team includes:

•  Maggie Mojica, Director of Group Sales
•  Michael Gubbins, Director of Property Operations
•  Harrison Rohr, Director of Catering
•  Amanda Dempsey, Director of Marketing
•  Steven Snyder, Director of Human Resources

A beacon of timeless glamour and luxury for more than a century, Waldorf Astoria New York has always been the place to be in New York City. Following an extensive restoration, Waldorf Astoria New York will launch a new era for the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand and for luxury hospitality in New York City, positioning the hotel as one of the most anticipated hotel re-openings the city has ever witnessed. The 375-room hotel will feature some of Manhattan’s largest rooms and suites, more than 43,000 square feet of unparalleled event space totaling 17 hosting spaces, and one of the largest spas in New York City – spanning more than 30,000 square feet. Inspired by the hotel’s classic grandeur, designer Pierre-Yves Rochon set out to balance modern comfort with Art Deco opulence – blending the old and the new, the European and the American. Honoring Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to culinary excellence, the timeless property will also feature a signature restaurant and food and beverage offerings throughout select landmarked heritage spaces.

Atop the reimagined property, Waldorf Astoria Residences New York will introduce an unprecedented residential lifestyle on Park Avenue, featuring 375 expertly designed private residences with interiors by Jean-Louis Deniot, exclusive amenities and an art collection curated by art collector and auctioneer Simon de Pury.

Once reopened, the luxury property will participate in Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s world-class brands.

Waldorf Astoria New York is located at 301 Park Avenue New York, New York 10022. For hotel sales inquiries, please contact WaldorfAstoriaNewYork@hilton.com. Follow along on Instagram at @waldorfnyc and on Facebook at @TheWaldorf.

Read more about Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts at Stories.Hilton.com.

Waldorf Astoria New York

For nearly a century, Waldorf Astoria New York has been a fixture of New York City society, earning its place as a beacon of radiance in the cultural capital of the world. Following an extensive restoration spearheaded by renowned interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, the property will retain the scale and beauty of the original Art Deco architecture reimagined with fresh contemporary furnishings that pay homage to the original Waldorf Astoria New York. The 375-room hotel will feature some of Manhattan’s largest rooms and suites that will embody the spirit of New York. Above the hotel will sit 375 private residences, ranging from studios to four bedrooms, with interiors designed by Jean-Louis Deniot. Residents will have access to 50,000 square feet of exclusive amenities and an art collection curated by Swiss collector and auctioneer Simon de Pury. Hotel guests, residents, and visitors will have access to holistic wellness program, including a spa spanning over 30,000 square feet and a state-of-the-art fitness center, unmatched culinary offerings with a standout signature restaurant, and 43,000 square feet of modernized event space including a striking new opera-inspired Grand Ballroom set to be the crown jewel of New York City’s entertainment scene. Visit waldorfastorianewyork.com for more information or follow the hotel on Instagram at @waldorfnyc and on Facebook at @TheWaldorf.

About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning portfolio of more than 30 iconic properties that creates a unique sense of place with a relentless commitment to sincerely elegant service, one-of-a-kind experiences and culinary mastery in landmark destinations around the world. Inspired by their timeless environments, Waldorf Astoria hotels deliver an effortless experience seamlessly, creating a true sense of place for guests through stunning architecture, Peacock Alley, refined art collections, Michelin-starred dining and elevated in-room amenities. In addition to the brand’s world-class hotel offerings, Waldorf Astoria boasts a global residential portfolio that provides the comfort of a private home combined with unsurpassed amenities and high-touch service. Waldorf Astoria is part of Hilton, a leading global hospitality company. Experience an unforgettable stay at Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts by booking at waldorfastoria.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts at stories.hilton.com/waldorfastoria, and follow the brand on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.   

About Hilton

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 22 world-class brands comprising more than 7,500 properties and nearly 1.2 million rooms, in 126 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, was named the No. 1 World’s Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune and has been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for seven consecutive years. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 180 million members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can’t buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

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